Method and apparatus for remote sales of vended products

ABSTRACT

A mobile vending machine for transporting and vending a number of products. The mobile vending machine includes a storage compartment for storing the products, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the products, and a drive mechanism. The storage compartment is positioned about the drive mechanism for movement therewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to several methods andapparatus for delivering products to consumers and more particularlyrelates to several methods and apparatus to deliver vended products toconsumers via remote and mobile techniques.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of vending machines and other types of product dispensersis well known in the art. Product sales volume from such productdispensers often depends in part on placing the dispenser in a locationwith sufficient consumer traffic. Because the use of the productdispenser is often an impulse purchase, the dispenser preferably shouldbe located wherever a sufficient number of consumers may gather or passby.

[0003] One drawback with the use of many current product dispensers isthat the dispensers may not always be placed where the consumers may begathered. There are many locations where product dispensers simply arenot available. This lack of availability may be due to the size of thedispenser, the expense of the dispenser, the availability of electricalpower, or even aesthetic reasons. Further, moving the dispensers on atemporary basis is often difficult, expensive, and/or time consuming.

[0004] In addition to the location of the dispensers, the appearance andoperation of the dispensers should be designed to catch the consumer'seye and ensure that the consumer has a pleasant purchasing experience.Even if the dispensers can be located in a high traffic area, thepurchasing experience is rarely considered to be “fun” because of theubiquity of the dispensers. As such, the product dispensers areconsidered simply a means to provide the products therein to theconsumer as opposed to an attraction in and of itself.

[0005] What is needed, therefore, are methods and apparatus that ensurethat the product dispensers easily may be located wherever the consumersare gathered. Further, there is need for product dispensers that createimpulse purchases by being unique, entertaining, and/or interesting.These goals must be accomplished with methods and apparatus that areconvenient, safe, and reasonably priced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention thus provides a mobile vending machine fortransporting and vending a number of products. The mobile vendingmachine includes a storage compartment for storing the products, adispensing mechanism for dispensing the products, and a drive mechanism.The storage compartment is positioned about the drive mechanism formovement therewith.

[0007] Specific embodiments of the mobile vendor include the storagecompartment having a number of storage rows. Each of the storage rowsmay include a wall and a floor. The floor may include an elevator portfor use with the dispensing mechanism. The elevator port may include anumber of apertures surrounding a support flange. Each of the storagerows may include a collar for rotation within the wall and the floor.The collar may include a number of partitions therein and the partitionsmay form a number of product compartments. A collar motor may rotate thecollar.

[0008] The dispensing mechanism may include an access port fordispensing one of the products at a time. The dispensing mechanism alsomay include an elevator so as to transport one of the products from thestorage compartment to the access port. The elevator may include a pairof elevator arms. The pair of elevator arms may be positioned so as topass through the apertures of the elevator port.

[0009] The drive mechanism may include a number of wheels. A drive motormay power the wheels. The drive mechanism may include a battery.

[0010] The mobile vendor also may include an internal control device forcontrolling the storage compartment, the dispensing mechanism, and thedrive mechanism. A remote control device may be in communication withthe internal control device. The remote control device may control thedrive mechanism, the storage compartment, and the dispensing mechanism.The mobile vendor further may include a first speaker and a firstmicrophone while the remote control device may include a second speakerand a second microphone in communication with one another. The storagecompartment may include an outer shell with advertising indicia thereon.

[0011] A further embodiment of the present invention may provide for aremote vending system for vending a number of products. The remotevending system may include a product storage compartment, a productdelivery mechanism, and a product drop mechanism, all positioned along apredetermined path. The remote vending systems may further include acontrol device so as to instruct the product storage device to deliverone of the products to the product delivery mechanism and to instructthe product delivery mechanism to deliver the product to the productdrop mechanism.

[0012] The product storage compartment may include a vending machine.The product delivery mechanism may include a vertical conveyorpositioned adjacent to the product storage compartment. The verticalconveyor may include a platform for transporting one of the products.The vertical conveyor may include a pulley system for driving theplatform. The product delivery mechanism also may include a horizontalconveyor. The horizontal conveyor may include a first end and a secondend such that the first end is positioned adjacent to the verticalconveyor and the second end is positioned adjacent to the product dropmechanism. The horizontal conveyor may include an inclined position,such that the first end of the horizontal conveyor is higher than thesecond end so that the products can slide from the first end to thesecond end. The inclined position may be about five (5) to ten (10)degrees. The horizontal conveyor also may include a transport devicepositioned therein so as to transport one of the products from the firstend to the second end.

[0013] The product delivery mechanism may include a further horizontalconveyor positioned adjacent to the second end of the horizontalconveyor. The product delivery mechanism also may include a directionalswitch. The directional switch may be positioned adjacent to the secondend of the horizontal conveyor, the further horizontal conveyor, and theproduct drop mechanism so as to direct one of the products from thehorizontal conveyor to the further horizontal conveyor or to the productdrop mechanism under the control of the control device. The directionalswitch may include a piston so as to push the horizontal conveyor in thedirection of either the further horizontal conveyor or the product dropmechanism.

[0014] The product drop mechanism may include an elongated member with afirst end and a second end and with the first end positioned adjacent tothe product delivery mechanism. The product drop mechanism may include apulley system associated with the elongated member so as to deliver oneof the products from the first end to the second end. The product dropmechanism may include a product holder connected to the pulley system.The product holder may include a fixed fork assembly or a rotating forkassembly.

[0015] The rotating fork assembly may include a pair of forks positionedon an assembly base for rotation thereon. The pair of forks may includea spring so as to bias the pair of forks in the closed position. Theforks are capable of supporting one of the products in the closedposition and of releasing the product in the open position. The productdrop mechanism may include a flipper mechanism positioned adjacent tothe second end of the elongated member. The flipper mechanism mayinclude a flipper. The flipper may be driven by a solenoid and thesolenoid may be activated by a switch. The switch is positioned aboutthe second end of the elongated member such that the product holdercontacts the switch when the product holder descends the elongatedmember. The flipper is positioned about the second end of the elongatedmember such that the flipper contacts and causes the rotating forkassembly to rotate when the product holder descends the elongated memberand the switch is activated.

[0016] The product drop mechanism may include a product dispenserpositioned adjacent to the second end of the elongated member. Theproduct dispenser may include a product platter positioned for rotationtherein. The product platter also may include a number of product basinsso as to support the products therein. The product platter may include anumber of position switches in communication with the control system soas to determine whether one of the products is positioned in each of theproduct basins. The product dispenser may include a platter. The productdispenser may include a vending cone positioned on top of the productplatter. The vending cone may include a transparent material. Thevending cone may include a loading aperture such that the one of theproducts may be delivered through the loading aperture from the productdrop mechanism to one of the product basins on the product platter.

[0017] A further embodiment of the present invention provides for adispensing system for dispensing a number of products from a vendingmachine. The dispensing system may include an elevator and a storagerow. The storage row may include a wall and a floor. The storage rowalso may include an elevator port for use with the elevator. The storagerow further may include a collar for rotation within the wall and thefloor. The collar may include a number of partitions therein. Thepartitions may form a number of product compartments for rotating theproducts along the floor to the elevator port for transport by theelevator.

[0018] The dispensing system may include a number of the storage rows.The elevator port may include a number of apertures and a productsupport flange. The elevator may include a pair of elevator arms. Theelevator arms may be positioned to pass through the apertures of theelevator port and to pick up one of the products.

[0019] A product dispenser may be positioned adjacent to the storage rowand in communication with the elevator. The product dispenser mayinclude a product platter positioned for rotation therein. The productplatter may include a number of apertures positioned therein. Theapertures may each include a product support rotatably positionedtherein. The product support may be sized to allow the elevator arms topass through each aperture and to support one of the products. Theproduct support may include a hinge attached to the product platter suchthat the product support will rotate upward when the elevator lifts oneof the products through the aperture and then rotate downward after theproduct passes therethrough. The product dispenser may include aplatter. The product dispenser may include a vending cone positioned ontop of the product platter. The vending cone may include a transparentmaterial. The dispensing system further may include an outer shellpositioned around the storage row with one or more storage rackspositioned thereon.

[0020] The method of the present invention provides for the delivery ofa vended product. The method may include the steps of removing a firstproduct from a product vending machine, sensing that the first producthas been removed from the vending machine, activating a product storagefacility to release a second product, elevating the second product alonga first predetermined vertical path, transporting the second productalong a predetermined substantially horizontal path, and lowering thesecond product along a second predetermined vertical path into theproduct vending machine.

[0021] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent upon review of the following detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments of the invention when taken in conjunctionwith the drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile vendor of the presentinvention.

[0023]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mobile vendor of FIG. 1.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the mobile vendor of FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storage and elevation systemand the drive system of the mobile vendor of FIG. 1 with the outer shellshown in phantom lines.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the storage and elevationsystem of the mobile vendor of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the storage and elevationsystem of the mobile vendor of FIG. 1.

[0028]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drive system of the mobilevendor of FIG. 1.

[0029]FIG. 8 is a plan view of the remote control device for use withthe mobile vendor.

[0030]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the remote vending system of thepresent invention.

[0031]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vertical conveyor of theremote vending system of FIG. 9.

[0032]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the horizontal conveyor ofthe remote vending system of FIG. 9.

[0033]FIG. 12 is a side plan view of a transport device with thehorizontal conveyor shown in phantom lines.

[0034]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the directional switch of theremote vending system of FIG. 9 with the switch aligning with the dropmechanism.

[0035]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the directional switch of theremote vending system of FIG. 9 with the switch aligning with thefurther horizontal conveyor.

[0036]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a drop mechanism of the remotevending system of FIG. 9.

[0037]FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the product holder of the dropmechanism of FIG. 15.

[0038]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a further drop mechanism of theremote vending system of FIG. 9.

[0039]FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the bottle fork assembly of thefurther drop mechanism of FIG. 17.

[0040]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bottom end of the base coneof the further drop mechanism of FIG. 17.

[0041]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the product dispenser of thefurther drop mechanism of FIG. 17.

[0042]FIG. 21 is a top exploded view of the product dispenser of FIG.20.

[0043]FIG. 22 is a bottom exploded view of the product dispenser of FIG.20.

[0044]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the partner cooler of the presentinvention.

[0045]FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the partner cooler of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicatelike parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-8 show a mobile vendor100 of the present invention. The mobile vender 100 may store and vend anumber of products 105. Each of the products 105 may be, for example, abeverage container 110. The product 105, however, may be any type ofitem that may be stored in a conventional product dispenser and vendedtherefrom.

[0047] The mobile vendor 100 may include an outer shell 115. The outershell 115 may be a substantially hollow, cylindrical structure, but anyconvenient size or shape may be used. The outer shell 115 is preferablymade from a lightweight, substantially rigid material such as steel,aluminum, or similar metals; thermoplastics such as polycarbonate orPETG (polyethylene terephthalate-glycol); or similar materials. Theouter shell 115 preferably is insulated with foam or similar materials.

[0048] An access lid 120 may enclose the outer shell 115.

[0049] The access lid 120 may be attached to the outer shell 115 byhinges, springs, or other types of conventional joinder mechanisms. Theaccess lid 120 may be removed or opened so as to permit access to theinterior of the outer shell 115 so as to load the products 105 therein.The access lid 120 may be made from the same materials as the outershell 115. Alternatively, the access lid 120 may be made out of a rigidfoam or similar materials. The access lid 120 is preferably insulated.

[0050] The access lid 120 may have an access port 130 positionedtherein. The access port 130 preferably is sized to permit the vendingof one of the products 105 therethrough. As is shown, the access port130 may have a vending lid 140 or a similar type of enclosing structureattached by hinges, springs, or other types of conventional joindermechanisms. The vending lid 140 may be omitted if desired. Further, morethan one access port 130 may be used. The access port 130 and thevending lid 140 allow the products 105 to be pushed out of the mobilevendor 100 at least one at time and/or allows the consumer to grasp oneof the products 105. The access lid 120 of the mobile vendor 100 alsomay have a number of conventional selection panels 150 and a coin slot160 positioned thereon. Alternatively, the selection panels 150 and thecoin slot 160 may be positioned anywhere on the mobile vendor 100.

[0051] As is shown in FIG. 1, the mobile vendor 100 of the presentinvention also may include decorative aspects. For example, the accesslid 120 is shown in the shape of a baseball cap 170. The outer shell 115includes a pair of sunglasses 180 and one or more trademarks or logos190 that may be associated with the products 105 positioned within themobile vendor 100, with the location of the mobile vendor 100, or withthird party advertising. In this case, the Dynamic Ribbon device of TheCoca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Ga. is shown as a kind of “mouth” for thevender 100. Any type of aesthetic design, however, may be used to“personalize” the outer shell 115, the access lid 120, and the mobilevendor 100 as a whole. Further, the decorative aspects may include theuse of color, lights, sound, and other types of accessories. Thedecoration shown herein is not intended to be limiting in any manner.

[0052] As is shown in FIGS. 4-6, the mobile vendor 100 may include astorage and elevation system 200. The storage and elevation system 200may include a number of storage rows 210. In the present embodiment,three storage rows 210 are used, a first storage row 220, a secondstorage row 230, and a third storage row 240. Any number of storage rows210, however, may be used. The storage rows 210 are largely circular inshape so as to fit within the outer shell 115. Any convenient size orshape, however, may be used. The storage rows 210 may each form acentral aperture 215 therein. In this example, the aperture 215 islargely cylindrical in shape. Any size or shape, however, may be used.The apertures 215 may be filled with ice so as to keep the products 105within the storage rows 210 cold. Alternatively, the mobile vendor 100may use any type of conventional cooling or heating system.

[0053] Each of the storage rows 210 may include a fixed floor 260. Thefixed floor 260 may be attached to an inner wall 265 of the outer shell115. The floor 260 may include an elevator port 270. The elevator port270 may include a pair of apertures 280. The apertures 280 may surrounda product support flange 290. By a “pair” of apertures 280, we mean thatthe apertures 280 surround the support flange 290. The apertures 280 mayor may not be contiguous. The apertures 280 may be sized to accommodatethe elevator as described in more detail below. The product supportflange 290 may be sized to accommodate and support one of the products105. The product support flange 290 is rotatable and may be attached tothe floor 260 via springs, hinges, or conventional type of joindermeans.

[0054] Positioned on the floor 260 and within the inner wall 265 may bea rotatable inner collar 300. The rotatable inner collar 300 may rotatealong the floor 260 by sliding or via rollers, bearings, or similarmeans. The rotatable inner collar 300 may include a number of partitions310 thereon that form a number of product compartments 320. As is shownin FIG. 4, several of the products 105 may be positioned on the storagerows 210 in the product compartments 320. The inner collar 300 may bedriven to rotate along the floor 260 by a collar motor 330. The collarmotor 330 may be a conventional electric motor with about 0.01 to about0.2 horsepower. The collar motor 330 may also include other types ofconventional drive means. When the products 105 are positioned withinthe compartments 320, the partitions 310 of the inner collar 300 forcethe products 105 to slide along the floor 260 and the inner wall 265. Aninternal control device 340 may control operation of the motor 330. Theinternal control device 340 may include a conventional microprocessor ora similar type of control device.

[0055] The storage and elevation system 200 also may include an elevator350. The elevator 350 may include an elongated shaft 360. The elongatedshaft 360 may be fixedly attached to each of the floors 260 of thestorage rows 210 by brackets or similar types of connection mechanisms.Attached to the elongated shaft 360 may be an elevator base 370 with apair of elevator arms 380 attached thereto. The elevator base 370 andthe elevator arms 380 may maneuver up and down the elongated shaft 360.The elevator base 370 may have a flange or other type of guide mechanismso as to attach to the elongated shaft 360 for movement therewith. Theelevator base 370 may be of sufficient size to support the elevator arms380 with a product 105 therein.

[0056] The elevator arms 380 each may have an elongated straight portion390 attached to the base 370 and an angled portion 400 extending towardthe outer shell 115. The straight portion 390 is essentially the widthof one of the products 105. The elevator arms 380 are sized to maneuverup and down the elongated shaft 360 and through the apertures 280 of theelevator port 270 on each storage row 210. The elevator arms 380 maytravel through the apertures 280 until the arms engage one of theproducts 105 positioned on the support flange 290. The elevator arms 380may then pick up the product 105 and support it against the elevatorbase 370. The elevator arms 380 may be made out of a substantially rigidmaterial such as stainless steel or similar types of materials.

[0057] The elevator base 370 and the elevator arms 380 may maneuver upand down the elongated shaft 360 as powered by an elevator motor 410.The elevator motor 410 may be an electrical motor with about 0.01 toabout 0.25 horsepower or a similar type of drive mechanism. The internalcontrol device 340 may control the elevator motor 410.

[0058] The mobile vendor 100 may further include a transport system 450.As is best shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, the transport system 450 may bebased upon a typical wheelchair transport system. As such, the transportsystem 450 may include a frame 460. The frame 460 may include tubularelements made from aluminum, or similar types of low weight, highstrength materials. Attached to the rear of the frame 460 may be a drivemechanism 470. The drive mechanism 470 may include a pair of drivemotors 480 positioned on either side of the frame 460. Also attached tothe frame 460 are the rear wheels 490. The drive motors 480 drive therear wheels 490 in a conventional manner. Further, the drive motors 480may include a gearbox, a clutch, mounting brackets, and similar types ofdrive components. The drive motors 480 may have a power output of about0.5 to about 1.5 horsepower. One or more batteries 500 may power thedrive motors 480. The batteries 500 may be conventional lead-acid,nickel cadmium, metal-air, or similar types of low weight, long run timeenergy sources. The batteries 500 are preferably rechargeable.

[0059] Attached to the front of the frame 460 may be a pair of frontwheels 520 connected by a pair of steering brackets 530. The frontwheels 520 may be of conventional design. The front wheels 520 may bemounted on the steering brackets 530 in a conventional manner. Thesteering brackets 530 may be made out of steel or similar types of rigidmaterials. The steering brackets 530 may be connected to the frame 460in a conventional manner. The wheels 520 may be generally passive withrespect to steering. Steering may be provided by altering the speed ofthe rear wheels 490. For example, the frame 460 will turn to the left byincreasing the speed to the right rear wheel 490. Any conventional typeof steering mechanism also may be used.

[0060] The internal control device 340 may operate in conjunction with aremote control device 570. The internal control device 340 and theremote control device 570 may communicate via radio frequency signals,infrared light, or via other conventional communication means. Theinternal control device 340 and the remote control device 570 also maybe connected via cables or other types of direct connections. The remotecontrol device 570 may have a joystick 575 or a similar type of controlmechanism so as to steer the mobile vender 100. The remote controldevice 570 also may control the speed of the mobile vendor 100, otheraspects of the transport system 450, and the operation of the storageand elevation system 200.

[0061] The mobile vendor 100 may further include a communication system580. Both the mobile vendor 100 and the remote control device 570 mayinclude a microphone 590 and a speaker 595. Any conventional type ofmicrophone 590 and speaker 595 may be used. The user of the remotecontrol device 570 therefore may speak into the microphone 590 of theremote control device 570 such that it appears that the mobile vendor100 is speaking. Likewise, the consumer may speak into the microphone590 of the mobile vendor 100 and have that speech heard by the user ofthe remote control device 570 via the speaker 595. The microphone 590and the speaker 595 may be positioned within the access lid 120 oranywhere on the mobile vendor 100. The mobile vendor 100 thus may beinteractive with the consumer.

[0062] In use, a number of the products 105 may be loaded into each ofthe product compartments 320 on the storage rows 210. A different typeor flavor of product 105 may be inserted on each row 210. For example, aregular carbonated beverage product 105 may be placed in the firststorage row 220, a diet carbonated beverage product 105 may be placed onthe second storage row 230, and a water product 105 may be placed on thethird storage row 240. Any number of product variations may be used. Theapertures 215 within the storage rows 210 may be filled with ice orother types of heating or cooling devices may be used to bring theproducts 105 therein to the desired serving temperature.

[0063] Under the direction of the remote control device 570, the mobilevendor 100 may travel to wherever the consumers may be gathered. Forexample, the consumers may be waiting in line at an amusement park, asporting event, a concert, or at a similar type of event or attraction.The user of the remote control device 570 may control the transportsystem 450 such that the mobile vendor 100 travels along the line ofconsumers. The user of the remote control device 570 also may use themicrophone 590 and the speaker 595 so as to interact with the consumersin line and to gain their attention.

[0064] For example, the mobile vendor 100 may stop in front of aconsumer. The consumer may place coins, coupons, or currency into thecoin slot 160 and then make a selection from the selection panel 150.The selection panel 150 thus activates the internal control device 340to turn on the collar motor 330 of the storage row 210 with the products105 thereon that correspond to the selection of the selection panel 150.The collar motor 330 rotates the inner collar 300 until one of theproducts 105 is positioned on the product support flange 290 of theelevator port 270. The elevator 350 is then activated such that theelevator arms 380 travel through the apertures 280 and pick up theselected product 105. The product 105 is then elevated through theaccess port 130 and the vending lid 140 of the access lid 120. Theproduct support flange 290 of the other storage rows 210 rotates upwardas the elevator 350 passes therethrough. The consumer may then removethe product 105 from the access port 130. The mobile vendor 100 may thencontinue down the line of consumers and repeat the sales process.

[0065] FIGS. 9-21 show another embodiment of the present invention, aremote vendor system 600. The remote vendor system 600 may include acontrol system 610. The control system 610 coordinates and activateseach of the elements within the remote vendor system 600 as a whole asis described in more detail below. The control system 610 may include aconventional microprocessor or a similar type of control system. Thecontrol system 610 may be similar to the control system 340 describedabove.

[0066] The remote vendor 600 may include a product storage device 620.The product storage device 620 may be a conventional vending machine630. For example, the vending machine 630 may be made by The VendoCompany of Fresno, Calif. The vending machine 630 may vend products 105from the front via a front chute 640 in a conventional manner. Thevending machine 630 preferably also may vend products 105 via a rearchute 650. Alternatively, the vending machine 630 may be oriented suchthat the front chute 640 is used with the remote vendor 600. The vendingmachine 630 may be refrigerated or heated as desired. Activation of thevending machine 630 may be controlled by the control system 610.

[0067] The remote vendor system 600 also includes a delivery system 660.As is shown in FIG. 9, the delivery system 660 may include a verticalconveyor 670. The vertical conveyor 670 may be positioned adjacent tothe rear chute 650 of the vending machine 630. The vertical conveyor 670may include a frame 680. The frame 680 may include a pair of parallelrails 690 with a platform 700 positioned in-between for movement up anddown the rails 690. The rails 690 may be made out of any type of rigidmaterial, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or plastic. Theplatform 700 may maneuver along the rails 690 by a pulley system 710.

[0068] The pulley system 710 may include a pulley wire 720 positionedalong one or more pulley wheels 730. The pulley wire 720 may be made outof wire rope, stainless steel, or other types of conventional materials.One of the pulley wheels 730 may be positioned at the top end of thevertical conveyor 670 and one of the pulley wheels 730 may be positionedat the bottom end of the conveyor 670 below the rear chute 650 of thevending machine 630. Specifically, one of the pulley wheels 730 may bepositioned at the top of the rails 690 such that as the platform 700rises up the rails 690 and then rotates from a horizontal position to avertical position as it passes over the pulley wheel 730. A pulley motor740 may engage the pulley wire 720 so as to raise and lower the platform700. The pulley motor 740 may be a conventional electric motor withabout one-tenth or one-eighth horsepower or the like. Operation of thepulley motor 740 may be controlled by the control system 610.

[0069] The delivery system 660 also may include a horizontal track 760.The horizontal track 760 may be made out of any substantially rigidmaterial such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or similar materials.The horizontal track 760 may be substantially U-shaped in cross-sectionwith two bottom lips 770 forming an aperture 780. Preferably, the bottomlips 770 and the aperture 780 are spaced so as to accommodate theproduct 105. Specifically, the neck ring of the typical beverage bottle110 may be supported by the horizontal track 760. The horizontal track760 may be angled with a high end 790 adjacent to the vertical conveyor670 such that the products 105 may slide from the vertical conveyor 670and the high end 790 along the horizontal track 760 to a lower end 795.The horizontal track 760 may have about a drop of about five (5) toabout ten (10) degrees with a drop of about seven degrees (7°)preferred.

[0070] Alternatively, a powered transport device 800 may be used. Thetransport device 800 may be a small electrically operated or batteryoperated device with wheels or a track and with a coupling 805 foraccepting one of the products 105. The transport device 800 may bepositioned within the aperture 780 of the horizontal track 760. Thecoupling 805 of the transport device 800 may accept one of the products105 as it emerges from the vertical conveyor 670. The transport device800 may then carry the product 105 down the horizontal track 760. If thepowered transport device 800 is used, the horizontal track 760 need notbe inclined. Operation of the transport device 800 may be controlled bythe control system 610.

[0071] The delivery system 660 also may have one or more directionalswitches 810. The directional switches 810 may guide one of the products105 from the horizontal track 760 to either a drop mechanism 820 or to afurther horizontal track 830. Operation of the switch 810 may becontrolled by the control system 610. The switch 810 may be mounted tothe horizontal track 760, the further horizontal track 830, and asupport structure 835. The switch 810 may include a piston 840 or asimilar device so as to push the horizontal track 760 either towards thedrop mechanism 820 or towards the further horizontal track 830. Thepiston 840 may push the horizontal track 760 about 1.5 to about 2.0inches into position adjacent to the drop mechanism 820 or the furtherhorizontal track 830.

[0072] When the piston 840 is extended as is shown in FIG. 13, thehorizontal track 760 aligns with the drop mechanism 820 and delivers oneof the products 105 thereto. When the piston 840 is in the retractedposition as is shown in FIG. 14, the horizontal track 760 aligns withthe further horizontal track 830 such that the product 105 passes fromthe horizontal track 760 to the further horizontal track 830. Operationof the piston 840 may be controlled by the control system 610.

[0073] The further horizontal track 830 may lead to a further dropmechanism 825 or to another switch 810. Any number of switches 810,horizontal tracks 760, 830, and drop mechanisms 820, 825 may be used inthe remote vending system 600 as a whole.

[0074]FIGS. 15 and 16 show the drop mechanism 820. The drop mechanism820 may include an elongated tube 860. The elongated tube 860 may bemade from any substantially rigid material such as aluminum, steel,stainless steel, or similar types of materials. The elongated tube 860has a first end 870 and a second end 880. Positioned about the first end870 may be a pulley 890. The pulley 890 may have a pulley cap 900 and apulley wheel 910. A pulley cable 920 is positioned within the pulleywheel 910 for movement thereon. The pulley cable 920 may be made out ofwire rope, stainless steel, or other types of conventional materials.Positioned within the elongated tube 860 is a counter-weight 930. Thecounter-weight 930 may be made out of brass, bronze, or similar types ofmaterials. The counterweight 930 preferably weighs about one pound. Thecounterweight 930 may have a piston 935 positioned thereon. The piston935 may be mounted at the top of the counter-weight 930 so as to slowthe ascent of the counter-weight 930 as it rises near the end of itstravel. The pulley 890 may have an internal bore (not shown) therein incommunication with the elongated tube 860. As the piston 935 and thecounter-weight 930 rise within the elongated tube 860, the piston 935enters the bore and may be slowed due to restricted airflow therein. Thecounter-weight 930 is attached to the pulley cable 920.

[0075] Positioned about the elongated tube 860 may be a product holder940. The product holder 940 may include a roller assembly 950. Theroller assembly 950 may include a tube 960 with an upper roller cap 970and a lower roller cap 980. The roller caps 970, 980 may include one ormore rollers 990 or bearings therein so as to reduce friction on theproduct holder 940 as it moves down the elongated tube 860. The pulleycable 920 may be attached to the roller assembly 950 at or near theupper roller cap 970.

[0076] The product holder 940 also may include a bottle holder 991. Thebottle holder 991 may have two fixed forks 992. The fixed forks 992 maysupport the product 105. Specifically, the fixed forks 992 may supportthe neck ring of the beverage bottle 110 therein. The fixed forks 992may be configured so as to support any type of product 105. The forks992 may be made out of acetal, polycarbonate, or similar materials. Oncethe fixed forks 992 support the product 105, the combined weight of theproduct holder 940 and the product 105 should be sufficient to overcomethe weight of the counter-weight 930. The product holder 940 and theproduct 105 thus descend down to the second end 880 of the elongatedtube 860.

[0077] The second end 880 of the elongated tube 860 preferably isfixedly attached to a table or another structure via a base 993. Theproduct holder 940 and the product 105 will remain at the second end 880of the elongated tube 860. Once the consumer removes the product 105from the fixed forks 992, the counter-weight 930 again raises theproduct holder 940 to the first end 870 of the elongated tube 860.

[0078] FIGS. 17-19 show a further drop mechanism 825 positioned at theend of the further horizontal track 830. The further drop mechanism mayuse an identical elongated tube 860 and pulley 890 with a second productholder 995. Instead of the bottle holder 991 of the product holder 940,the second product holder 995 may use a bottle fork assembly 1000. Thebottle fork assembly 1000 may include a first bottle fork 1010 and asecond bottle fork 1020. The bottle forks 1010, 1020 also may beconfigured to support any type of product 105. The forks 1010, 1020 maybe made out of acetal, polycarbonate, or similar materials.

[0079] The bottle forks 1010, 1020 may be positioned on a bottle forkbase 1030. The bottle forks 1010, 1020 are maneuverable about the bottlefork base 1030. The bottle forks 1010, 1020 may be spring loaded by aspring 1040. The bottle forks 1010, 1020 may be biased by the spring1040 in the closed position. In other words, the bottle forks 1010, 1020will resemble the fixed forks 992 described above when in the closedposition. The bottle forks 1010, 1020 also may have one or more flanges1050 on the rear thereof so as to form a first side flange assembly 1051and a second side flange assembly 1052. A pin 1055 may halt the movementof the bottle forks 1010, 1020 about the base 1030.

[0080] Positioned on the second end 880 of the elongated tube 860 on thefurther drop mechanism 825 may be a base cone 1060. The base cone 1060may be made out of a substantially rigid material such as athermoplastic or similar materials. The base cone 1060 may include acutout 1070 for the delivery of one of the products 105 within theproduct holder 995. As is shown in FIG. 19, a solenoid 1070 may bepositioned within the base cone 1060. The solenoid 1070 may be ofconventional design and provides for reciprocating movement. Attached tothe solenoid 1070 may be a plunger 1080. The plunger 1080, in turn, maybe attached to a fork flipper assembly 1090. The fork flipper assembly1090 may include a shaft 1100 attached to the plunger 1080 and to anelongated flipper 1110. The elongated flipper 1110 extends on the top ofthe base cone 1060. The flipper 1110 is capable of rotation. Thesolenoid 1070 may be activated by a switch 1120 positioned on the basecone 1060 on the opposite side of the elongated tube 860 from theflipper 1110. The flipper 1110 is sized to fit within the first sideflange assembly 1050 of the bottle fork assembly 1000.

[0081] When the second product holder 995 descends onto the base cone1060, the flipper 1110 is positioned within the first side flangeassembly 1051 of the bottle fork assembly 1000. Activation of the switch1120 by the bottle fork base 1030 causes the solenoid 1070 to operateand the flipper 1110 to rotate. This rotation opens the first sideflange assembly 1051 and hence the bottle forks 1010, 1020. The bottleforks 1010, 1020 thus release the product 105. Once the product 105 isreleased, the counterweight 930 again raises the second product holder995 to the first end 870 of the elongated tube 860.

[0082] As is shown in FIGS. 20-22, the further drop mechanism 825 may bemounted onto a product dispenser 1150. The product dispenser 1150 maysurround at least the base cone 1060 portion of the further dropmechanism 825. The product dispenser 1150 may include a dispenser base1160. The dispenser base 1160 may be made out of any substantially rigidmaterial, such as a thermoplastic, steel, or similar materials.

[0083] Positioned within the dispenser base 1160 may be a productplatter 1170. The product platter 1170 also may be made from asubstantially rigid material, such as a thermoplastic, aluminum, orsimilar materials. The product platter 1170 may have a number of productbasins 1180 formed therein. The product basins 1180 may be sized tosupport the products 105. The product platter 1170 also may have anumber of divider pins 1190 formed therein or attached thereto. Thedivider pins 1190 ensure that the products 105 positioned within theproduct basins 1180 remain separated and supported.

[0084] The product platter 1170 may be positioned within the productdispenser base 1160 via a spindle 1200. The product platter 1170 mayrotate about the spindle 1200. The product platter 1170 also may have anumber of platter rollers 1210 positioned thereon. The platter rollers1210 may assist in the rotation of the product platter 1170. The productplatter 1170 may be motorized via a drive motor and gear assembly 1220.The drive motor and gear assembly 1220 may include a conventionalelectric motor 1230 or a similar type of drive device. Rotation of theproduct platter 1170 and the operation of the drive motor and gearassembly 1220 may be controlled by a number of switches 1240 positionedwithin the dispenser base 1160. The switches 1240 may be conventionalposition switches. The switches 1240 may determine whether a product 105is in position in each product basin 1180. Monitoring of the switches1240 and operation of the drive motor and gear assembly 1220 may becontrolled by the control system 610.

[0085] Positioned on top of the product platter 1170 may be a dropmechanism base 1250. The drop mechanism base 1250 may be fixedlyattached to the platter 1170. The base cone 1060 may be positioned ontop of the base 1250. The dispenser base 1160 also supports a productcone 1260. The product cone 1260 is preferably made from a clearthermoplastic such that a consumer may view the products 105 positionedwithin the product basins 1180. Mounted on top of the product cone 1260may be a plate 1270. The plate 1270 may be made out of sheet metal orany other substantially rigid material. The plate 1270 may have a numberof apertures 1280 therein so as to allow removal and insertion of theproducts 105 into and out of the product platter 1170.

[0086] Positioned on top of the plate 1270 may be a vending cone 1290.The vending cone 1290 may be made out of a substantially rigid material,such as a thermoplastic, aluminum, or similar materials. The vendingcone 1290 may have an aperture 1300 for the base cone 1060 of the dropmechanism 825 and a second aperture 1310 so as to provide access to theproducts 105 within the product dispenser 1150. The second aperture 1310may be enclosed with a vending door 1320. The vending door 1320 also maybe made out of a substantially rigid thermoplastic or similar materials.Operation of the vending door 1320 may be controlled by a vend doorswitch 1330. The vend door switch 1330 may be operated by the insertionof coins or currency into a coin slot 1340. The coin slot 1340 may bepositioned on the vending cone 1290 or anywhere on the product dispenser1150. The vend door 1320 also may be operated by the control system 610.The product dispenser 1150 may be positioned on a base 1350 of suitableheight and dimensions. As is shown in FIG. 9, the base 1350 may includea rack 1360 for magazines, candy, or other types of consumer goods.

[0087] In use, the product platter 1170 of the product dispenser 1150may rotate via the drive motor and gear assembly 1220. A consumer canpay for the product 105 at the time or take the product 105 to acheckout line. The consumer may place coins or currency within the coinslot 1340 or the customer may simply open the vending door 1320 toremove one of the products 105 out of one of the product basins 1180.The rotation of the product platter 1170 stops when the vend door switch1330 is activated as the vending door 1320 opens. Once the product 105has been removed from one of the product basins 1180, the appropriateswitch 1240 signals the control system 610 that the product 105 has beenremoved. Each product basin 1180 may contain a specific product 105 suchthat the control system 610 knows what type of product 105 has beenremoved.

[0088] The control system 610 then activates the vending machine 630. Afurther product 105 is dispensed out of the rear chute 650 and onto theplatform 700 of the vertical conveyor 670 of the delivery system 600.The pulley motor 740 is activated so as to raise the platform 700 viathe pulley system 710. Once the platform 700 is raised to the top of therail 690, the platform 700 rotates the product 105 from a horizontalposition to a vertical position where the product 105 is captured by thehorizontal track 760.

[0089] The product 105 then moves down the horizontal track 760 underthe force of gravity or via the powered transport device 790. Theproduct 105 continues down the horizontal tract 760 to the switch 810.The control system 610 determines whether the product 105 should exitonto the drop mechanism 820 or continue down the further horizontaltrack 830. Alternatively, the horizontal tract 760 may lead directly tothe drop mechanism 820.

[0090] In this case, the switch 810 shifts the product 105 down thefurther horizontal tract 830 to the second drop mechanism 825 becausethe product 105 is intended to refill the empty product basin 1180 ofthe product dispenser 1150. The product 105 continues into the secondproduct holder 995 of the further drop mechanism 825. The product 105 issecured between the bottle forks 1010, 1020 as the product holder 995moves down the elongated tube 860 via the pulley system 890. The productholder 995 continues down to the base cone 1060 where the bottle forkbase 1030 of the bottle forks 1010, 1020 activates the switch 1120. Theswitch 1120, in turn, activates the solenoid 1070 so as to cause theflipper 1110 to open the first side flange assembly 1051 and the bottleforks 1010, 1020. As the bottle forks 1010, 1020 open, the product 105falls into the product basin 1180 of the product dispenser 1150. Whilethe product 105 is being delivered to the product dispenser 1150, thedrive motor gear assembly 1220 rotates the product platter 1170 intoposition adjacent to the aperture 1300 of the base cone 1060. Theproduct 105 then falls into the appropriate product basin 1180. Once theproduct 105 has been delivered, the drive motor and gear assembly 1220again rotate the product platter 1170.

[0091] Alternatively, the product 105 may descend down the horizontaltract 760 to the switch 810. The switch 810 may cause the product 105 tofall into the drop mechanism 820. The product holder 940 of the dropmechanism 820 then descends down the elongated tube 860 where theconsumer may remove the product 105 by hand. The product holder 105 thenreturns up the elongated tube 860 under the force of the counter-weight930 once the product 105 has been removed.

[0092] The remote vendor 600 thus not only ensures that the productdispenser 1150 is always filled with the products 105, but also ensuresthat the delivery of the products 105 will catch the consumer's eye andattract further purchases of the products 105. It is important to notethat although the remote vendor 600 has been described with respect tothe use of the beverage bottle 110, the product 105 may be any type ofpackage, goods, foods, beverages, etc. Further, the vending machine 630and the product dispenser 1150 may be heated or refrigerated asappropriate.

[0093] FIGS. 23-24 show a further embodiment of the present invention, apartner cooler 1400. Operation of the partner cooler 1400 may becontrolled by a control system 1405. The control system 1405 may besimilar to the control systems 340, 610. The partner cooler 1400 mayincorporate the storage and elevation system 200 of the mobile vendor100 with the some or all of the exterior appearance of the productdispenser 1150 of the remote vendor 600. Specifically, the partnercooler 1400 may include a support base 1410. The support base 1410 maybe sized according to the desired size of the partner cooler 1400 as awhole. The support base 1410 may be made out of any conventionalmaterial and can be made in any conventional shape. Mounted to thesupport base 1410 may be a storage and elevation system 1420. Thestorage and elevation system 1420 may be substantially identical to thestorage and elevation system 200 described above. As such, the storageand elevation system 1420 may include an elevator 1425 with a base 1426and a pair of arms 1427 similar to those described above with theelevator 350.

[0094] An outer shell 1430 may enclose the storage and elevation system1420. The outer shell 1430 may be similar to the outer shell 115described above. The outer shell 1430 may be made out of anyconventional materials such as steel, aluminum or similar metals; athermoplastic such as polycarbonate or PETG; or similar materials. Theouter shell 1430 is preferably insulated. Positioned on the outer shell1430 may be one or more promotion racks 1440. The promotion racks 1440may hold magazines, books and newspapers, candy, or any type of consumergoods or other items. The promotion racks 1440 may be conventionalshelving. The promotional racks 1440 made out of metal wire or anyconventional type of materials may be used. Any conventional shape alsomay be used. The outer shell 1430 also may include advertising indiciathereon.

[0095] Positioned on top of the storage and elevation system 1420 may bea product dispenser 1450. The product dispenser 1450 may have a similarexterior appearance to that of the product dispenser 1450 describedabove. As such, the product dispenser 1450 may include a dispenser base1460 similar to the dispenser base 1160 described above. The dispenserbase 1460 may be made out of any substantially rigid materials, such asa thermoplastic, steel, or similar materials

[0096] Positioned within the dispenser base 1460 may be a productplatter 1470. The product platter 1470 may be somewhat similar to theproduct platter 1170 described above. The product platter 1470 may havea number of apertures 1475 therein. The apertures 1475 may be sized toaccommodate one of the products 105 and the elevator arms 1427 passingtherethrough. A product support 1480 may be positioned within each ofthe apertures 1475. The product supports 1480 may be rotatably attachedto the product platter 1470. The product supports 1480 are formed so asto support one of the products 105 and also to allow one of the products105 to be elevated from the storage and elevation system 1420. Theproduct supports 1480 preferably do not fill each aperture 1475completely. Rather, sufficient space remains for the elevator arms 1427to pass therethrough. Springs, hinges, or other conventional types ofjoinder means may attach the product supports 1480 to the productplatter 1470. The product platter 1470 and product supports 1480 may bemade from a substantially rigid material, such as a thermoplastic,steel, or similar materials.

[0097] The product platter 1470 also may have a number of platterrollers 1490 positioned thereon. The platter rollers 1490 may be similarto the platter rollers 1210 described above. The platter rollers 1490may assist in the rotation of the product platter 1470 within thedispenser base 1460. The product platter 1470 may be driven via a drivemotor and gear assembly 1500 similar to the drive motor and gearassembly 1220 described above. The drive motor and gear assembly 1500may include a conventional electric motor 1510 or a similar type ofdrive device. Rotation of the product platter 1470 and the operation ofthe drive motor and gear assembly 1500 may be controlled by a number ofswitches 1520 positioned within the dispenser base 1460. The switches1520 may be conventional position switches. The switches 1520 mayindicate whether a product 105 is in position in each of the productsupports 1480. Monitoring of the switches 1520 and operation of thedrive motor and gear assembly 1500 may be controlled by the controlsystem 1405.

[0098] The dispenser base 1460 also may support a product cone 1530,similar to the product cone 1260 described above. The product cone 1530is preferably made from a clear thermoplastic such that a consumer mayview the products 105 positioned within the product supports 1480.Positioned on top of the product cone 1530 may be a vending cone 1540similar to the vending cone 1290 described above. The vending cone 1540may be made out of a substantially rigid material, such as athermoplastic, or similar materials. The vending cone 1540 may have anaperture 1550 positioned therein. The aperture 1550 may be sized topermit the removal of one of the products 105 therethrough. The aperture1550 may be enclosed with a vending door 1560 similar to the vendingdoor 1320 described above. The vending door 1560 also may be made out ofa substantially rigid thermoplastic or similar materials. Operation ofthe vending door 1560 may be controlled by a vend door switch or asimilar mechanism. The vending door 1560 may be operated by insertion ofcoins or currency into a coin slot 1580. The coin slot 1580 may bepositioned on the vending cone 1540 or anywhere on the product dispenser1450. Operation of the vending door 1560 also may be controlled by thecontrol system 1405.

[0099] In use, the drive motor and gear assembly 1500 may rotate theproduct platter 1470 of the product dispenser 1450. If a consumerdesires one of the products 105 from the partner cooler 1400, theconsumer can pay for the product 105 at the time or take the product 105to a checkout line. The consumer may place coins or currency within thecoin slot 1580 or the customer may simply open the vending door 1560 andremove one of the products 105 out of one of the product supports 1480.The rotation of the product platter 1470 stops when the vending door1560 is opened.

[0100] Once the product 105 has been removed from one of the productsupports 1480, the switch 1520 signals the control system 1405 that theproduct 105 has been removed. Each product support 1480 may be dedicatedto a specific product 105 such that the control system 1405 knows whattype of product 105 has been removed. Once the vending door 1560 hasbeen closed, the control system 1405 activates the storage and elevationsystem 1420. The product platter 1470 is also rotated such that theempty product support 1480 is aligned with the elevator 1425. Theelevator 1425 of the storage and elevation system 1420 picks up one ofthe products 105 in a manner largely identical to that described abovewith respect to the storage and elevation system 200. As the product 105is elevated, the top of the product 105 causes the empty product support1480 to rotate upward. The elevator 1425 continues to elevate theproduct 105 above the product platter 1470 and into the vending cone1540 until the product 105 has cleared the product support 1480. Oncethe product 105 clears the product support 1480, the product support1480 swings backward and closes. The elevator 1425 then reversesdirection and places the product 105 into the product support 1480. Thearms 1427 of the elevator 1425 pass through the apertures 1475surrounding the product support 1480. Once the product 105 has beendelivered, the drive motor and gear assembly 1500 again rotates theproduct platter 1470.

[0101] The present invention thus provides a new and novel means todeliver vended products to consumers wherever they may be located.Further, the present invention provides a means to reload the productstorage area in a unique and eye-catching manner. The present inventionalso provides a means to combine a vending machine with merchandisingspace so as to partner a vended product with another type of product.

[0102] It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to thepreferred embodiments of the present invention and that numerous changesmay be made herein without departing from the general spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A mobile vending machine for vending a plurality ofproducts, comprising: a storage compartment for storing said pluralityof products; a dispensing mechanism associated with said storagecompartment for dispensing said plurality of products; and a drivemechanism; said storage compartment positioned about said drivemechanism for movement therewith.
 2. The mobile vendor of claim 1,wherein said storage compartment comprises a plurality of storage rows.3. The mobile vendor of claim 2, wherein each of said plurality ofstorage rows comprises a wall and a floor.
 4. The mobile vendor of claim3, wherein said floor comprises an elevator port for use with saiddispensing mechanism.
 5. The mobile vendor of claim 4, wherein saidelevator port comprises a plurality of apertures surrounding a supportflange.
 6. The mobile vendor of claim 5, wherein each of said pluralityof storage rows comprises a collar for rotation within said wall andsaid floor.
 7. The mobile vendor of claim 6, wherein said collarcomprises a plurality of partitions therein, said plurality ofpartitions comprising a plurality of product compartments.
 8. The mobilevendor of claim 7, wherein said drive mechanism comprises a collar motorso as to rotate said collar.
 9. The mobile vendor of claim 8, whereinsaid dispensing mechanism comprises an access port for dispensing one ofsaid plurality of products at a time.
 10. The mobile vendor of claim 9,wherein said dispensing mechanism comprises an elevator so as totransport said one of said plurality of products from said storagecompartment to said access port.
 11. The mobile vendor of claim 10,wherein said elevator comprises a pair of elevator arms, said pair ofelevator arms positioned so as to pass through said plurality ofapertures of said elevator port.
 12. The mobile vendor of claim 1,wherein said drive mechanism comprises a plurality of wheels.
 13. Themobile vendor of claim 12, wherein said drive mechanism comprises adrive motor so as to power one or more of said plurality of wheels. 14.The mobile vendor of claim 13, wherein said drive mechanism comprises abattery.
 15. The mobile vendor of claim 1, further comprising aninternal control device for controlling said storage compartment, saiddispensing mechanism, and said drive mechanism.
 16. The mobile vendor ofclaim 15, further comprising a remote control device in communicationwith said internal control device such that said remote control devicecan control said drive mechanism.
 17. The mobile vendor of claim 15,further comprising a remote control device in communication with saidinternal control device such that said remote control device can controlsaid storage compartment and said dispensing mechanism.
 18. The mobilevendor of claim 15, further comprising a first speaker and a firstmicrophone.
 19. The mobile vendor of claim 18, further comprising asecond speaker and a second microphone, said second speaker and saidsecond microphone positioned on said remote control device forcommunication with said first speaker and said first microphone.
 20. Themobile vendor of claim 1, wherein said storage compartment comprises anouter shell with advertising indicia thereon.
 21. A remote vendingsystem for vending a plurality of products, comprising: a productstorage compartment positioned along a predetermined path; a productdelivery mechanism positioned along said predetermined path; a productdrop mechanism positioned along said predetermined path; and a controldevice to instruct said product storage device to deliver one of saidplurality of products to said product delivery mechanism and to instructsaid product delivery mechanism to deliver said one of said plurality ofproducts to said product drop mechanism.
 22. The remote vending systemof claim 21, wherein said product storage compartment comprises avending machine.
 23. The remote vending system of claim 22, wherein saidproduct delivery mechanism comprises a vertical conveyor positionedadjacent to said product storage compartment.
 24. The remote vendingsystem of claim 23, wherein said vertical conveyor comprises a platformfor transporting said one of said plurality of products.
 25. The remotevending system of claim 24 wherein said vertical conveyor comprises apulley system for driving said platform.
 26. The remote vending systemof claim 23, wherein said product delivery mechanism comprises ahorizontal conveyor.
 27. The remote vending system of claim 23, whereinsaid product delivery mechanism comprises a horizontal conveyor, saidhorizontal conveyor comprising a first end and a second end such thatsaid first end is positioned adjacent to said vertical conveyor and saidsecond end is positioned adjacent to said product drop mechanism. 28.The remote vending system of claim 27, wherein said horizontal conveyorcomprises an inclined position, such that said first end of saidhorizontal conveyor is higher than said second end such that said one ofsaid plurality of products can slide from said first end to said secondend.
 29. The remote vending machine of claim 28, wherein said inclinedposition comprises about five (5) to about ten (10) degrees.
 30. Theremote vending machine of claim 27, wherein said product deliverymechanism comprises a transport device positioned within said horizontalconveyor so as to transport said one of said plurality of products fromsaid first end to said second end.
 31. The remote vending system ofclaim 27, wherein said product delivery mechanism comprises a furtherhorizontal conveyor positioned adjacent to said second end of saidhorizontal conveyor.
 32. The remote vending system of claim 31, whereinsaid product delivery mechanism comprises a directional switch, saiddirectional switch positioned adjacent to said second end of saidhorizontal conveyor, said further horizontal conveyor, and said productdrop mechanism so as to direct said one of said plurality of productsfrom said horizontal conveyor to said further horizontal conveyor or tosaid product drop mechanism under the control of said control device.33. The remote vending system of claim 32, wherein said directionalswitch comprises a piston so as to push said horizontal conveyor in thedirection of either said further horizontal conveyor or said productdrop mechanism.
 34. The remote vending system of claim 21, wherein saidproduct drop mechanism comprises an elongated member with a first endand a second end and wherein said first end is adjacent to said productdelivery mechanism.
 35. The remote vending system of claim 34, whereinsaid product drop mechanism comprises a pulley system associated withsaid elongated member so as to deliver said one of said plurality ofproducts from said first end to said second end.
 36. The remote vendingsystem of claim 35, wherein said pulley system comprises a counterweightwith a dampening piston positioned thereon.
 37. The remote vendingsystem of claim 36, wherein said product drop mechanism comprises aproduct holder connected to said pulley system.
 38. The remote vendingsystem of claim 37, wherein said product holder comprises a fixed forkassembly for holding said one of said plurality of products.
 39. Theremote vending system of claim 37, wherein said product holder comprisesa rotating fork assembly.
 40. The remote vending system of claim 39,wherein said rotating fork assembly comprises a pair of forks positionedon an assembly base for rotation thereon.
 41. The remote vending systemof claim 40, wherein said pair of forks comprises a spring so as to biassaid pair of forks in the closed position, said pair of forks capable ofsupporting said one of said plurality of products in the closed positionand capable of releasing said one of said plurality of products in theopen position.
 42. The remote vending system of claim 41, wherein saidproduct drop mechanism comprises a flipper mechanism positioned adjacentto said second end of said elongated member.
 43. The remote vendingsystem of claim 42, wherein said flipper mechanism comprises a flipper,said flipper being driven by a solenoid, and said solenoid beingactivated by a switch.
 44. The remote vending system of claim 43,wherein said switch is positioned about said second end of saidelongated member such that said product holder contacts said switch whensaid product holder descends said elongated member.
 45. The remotevending system of claim 44, wherein said flipper is positioned aboutsaid second end of said elongated member such that said flipper contactssaid rotating fork assembly when said product holder descends saidelongated member so as to release said one of said plurality of productswhen said switch is activated.
 46. The remote vending system of claim34, wherein said product drop mechanism comprises a product dispenserpositioned adjacent to said second end of said elongated member.
 47. Theremote vending system of claim 46, wherein said product dispensercomprises a product platter positioned for rotation therein.
 48. Theremote vending system of claim 47, wherein said product plattercomprises a plurality of product basins so as to support said pluralityof products therein.
 49. The remote vending system of claim 48, whereinsaid product platter comprises a plurality of position switches incommunication with said control system so as to determine whether saidone of said plurality of products is positioned in each of said productbasins.
 50. The remote vending system of claim 49, wherein said productdispenser comprises a platter motor so as to rotate said productplatter.
 51. The remote vending system of claim 50, wherein said productdispenser comprises a vending cone positioned on top of the productplatter, said vending cone comprising a transparent material.
 52. Theremote vending system of claim 51, wherein said vending cone comprises aloading aperture such that said one of said plurality of products may bedelivered through said loading aperture from said product drop mechanismto one of said product basins on said product platter.
 53. A dispensingsystem for dispensing a plurality of products from a vending machine,comprising: an elevator; and a storage row; said storage row comprisinga wall and a floor; said storage row comprising an elevator port for usewith said elevator; and said storage row comprising a collar forrotation within said wall and said floor; said collar comprising aplurality of partitions therein, said plurality of partitions comprisinga plurality of product compartments for rotating said plurality ofproducts along said floor to said elevator port for transport by saidelevator.
 54. The dispensing system of claim 53, further comprising aplurality of storage rows.
 55. The dispensing system of claim 53,wherein said elevator port comprises a plurality of aperturessurrounding a product support flange.
 56. The dispensing system of claim55, wherein said elevator comprises a pair of elevator arms, said pairof elevator arms positioned to pass through said plurality of aperturesof said elevator port and to pick up one of said plurality of products.57. The dispensing system of claim 56, further comprising a productdispenser positioned adjacent to said storage row and in communicationwith said elevator.
 58. The dispensing system of claim 57, wherein saidproduct dispenser comprises a product platter positioned for rotationtherein.
 59. The dispensing system of claim 58, wherein said productplatter comprises a plurality of apertures positioned therein.
 60. Thedispensing system of claim 59, wherein said plurality of apertures eachcomprise a product support rotatably positioned therein, said productsupport sized to allow said elevator arms to pass through said apertureand to support said one of said plurality of products.
 61. Thedispensing system of claim 60, wherein said product support comprises ahinge attached to said product platter such that said product supportwill rotate upward when said elevator lifts said one of said pluralityof products through said aperture and rotate downward after said one ofsaid plurality of products passes therethrough.
 62. The dispensingsystem of claim 58, wherein said product dispenser comprises a plattermotor so as to rotate said product platter.
 63. The dispensing system ofclaim 58, wherein said product dispenser comprises a vending conepositioned on top of the product platter, said vending cone comprising atransparent material.
 64. The dispensing system of claim 53, furthercomprising an outer shell positioned around said storage row and furthercomprising one or more storage racks positioned on said outer shell. 65.A method for the delivery of a vended product, said method comprisingthe steps of: removing a first product from a product vending machine;sensing that said first product has been removed from said productvending machine; activating a product storage facility to release asecond product; elevating said second product along a firstpredetermined vertical path; transporting said second product along apredetermined substantially horizontal path; and lowering said secondproduct along a second predetermined vertical path into said productvending machine.